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PARENTS E-NEWS November
2014
Dear Parents and Guardians, We can't believe only a month has passed since our last communication. As we prepare for our first long break of the school year, there is much to share about upcoming events here on campus. I hope you will spend some time reading about all that will take place over these next several weeks. This time of year always keeps us busy, but that frenetic pace is the result of so much good work and good will that we all share. In the midst of all that we have planned, it is also important to make time for quiet reflection and to ensure that we are not too caught up in the fast pace of life during the holiday season. Just as Thanksgiving should give us time to acknowledge all that we have received and what we can give to others, we should remember the ties that bind us in this community and in our own circles away from campus. There is serenity in reflection, and I hope you will find some measure of peace in recognizing close relationships and communal celebrations in the season ahead. As busy as we all are here at school, our campus offers a unique setting for the quiet time and reflection that we all need to balance our lives. The picture above was taken by Stephen Zarycranski '16 on the night before Halloween, when our 11th grade class hosted a Haunted House and other fun activities for their peers. Even in the middle of a fun-filled night, Stephen found a moment to capture the beauty of our campus that we too often take for granted. Stephen's photo of the evening sky reminds us to take notice of all that is around us, and to appreciate the wonder and beauty of our surroundings. I hope that Stephen's photo might inspire each of us to pause and to appreciate our connection to this school, to one another and to all that is important to us in the world beyond this campus. A link at the bottom of this message will take you to more images of the great students, faculty, families and friends who make up our school. These pictures show that at Church Farm School we have much to celebrate and even more for which to be grateful.
I wish you all a healthy and peaceful Thanksgiving, and I hope that you will enjoy having your son at home at the start of this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you back on campus as you are able in the weeks ahead. Sincerely, Chris Seeley, Director of Academics and Assistant Head of School [email protected]
Awards Night Recap and Upcoming Events
Congratulations to all of our Griffins who earned accolades for their academic and athletic achievements at Fall Awards Night on November 12. The full list of students who received awards can be found here, along with a link to our SmugMug photo gallery. Upcoming dates of note:
Friday, November 21 (noon dismissal) - Sunday, November 30: Thanksgiving break
Sunday, November 30 at 5:30 p.m.: CFS Parents' Association Meeting
Sunday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m.: Ardrossan Beagles Childrens Hunt
Monday, December 1 at 1:30 p.m.: U.S. Naval Academy college visit
Saturday, December 6: SAT exams at West Chester East High School
Saturday, December 6: CFS Craft Fair sponsored by the Class of 2017 (crafters still needed; contact [email protected])
Friday, December 12 at 8:00 p.m.: Christmas Pageant "Why the Chimes Rang"
Saturday, December 13: ACT Exams at Henderson High School and Admission Open House
Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m.: Christmas Pageant "Why the Chimes Rang"
Friday, December 19 (noon dismissal) - Sunday, January 3: Christmas vacation
Find out what's happening any time at www.gocfs.net/CFS-calendar.
CFS Parents Association Meeting on November 30 Dropping your child off on the 30th? Stick around for the CFSPA meeting at 5:30 p.m. Grab dinner in the dining hall and join us in the Learning Center for the November program, which includes a Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges survey. Our current seven-year accreditation term ends in 2016. During the 2014-15 school year, we are completing a school-wide self-study, in
preparation for a Middle States team to visit next fall. Part of this process involves getting input from all of our stakeholders, of which you, our parents, are a most important group. We will also be selling Church Farm School gear and accepting donations for the Griffin Clothes Closet. The students are in particular need of new or gently used twin bed set sheets and comforters, as well as dress shoes. Unable to make it in person? Call in via conference call: 1-866-962-6634 - password is 84478472#.
Faculty Profile: Mr. Robert Warfel Eleventh grade World Literature teacher Mr. Bob Warfel also serves as the advisor for the digital student newspaper and magazine, Greystock News and Greystock Magazine, respectively, provides support to Garrett and Woodside cottages and is coaching the new CFS bowling team! Q: What brought you to Church Farm School? A: For the last two years I taught English at a residential high school in central PA for young men in the juvenile justice system. It was rewarding work and I especially loved the residential facet, because at night in the living units was where I was truly able to have an impact on the youth. An internet search led me to the CFS website and as luck would have it there was a need for both a cottage parent and an English teacher ... so here I am and I couldn't be happier! Q: What is your favorite book from your world lit curriculum? A: My favorite book is one that I added: Homer's The Odyssey. I believe it is important for students who read primarily British and American literature to realize that the ancient Greeks and Romans created "literature" as well as the "action novel" concept that we take for granted today. Plus you can't go wrong with boys when you discuss topics like war, gods and goddesses, sea monsters, magic, betrayal and conquest!
Q: Why is it important to read books from other cultures? A: Although all human beings share the same basic need for food, water, shelter and companionship, our individual experiences of our unique countries, conditions, climates, cultures and religious beliefs drastically shape our personal existence. Books, short stories, poems and plays are the traditional ways that individuals share these experiences and all of us who read them enrich our own lives in the process.
Introducing Greystock News The first issue of the student newspaper, Greystock News, is now available online. The digital newspaper features stories by students on topics such as college preparation, world events, faculty profiles and even financial news! Hankyu Lee '15 serves as editor-in-chief of the publication, with Mr. Bob Warfel (highlighted above) serving as faculty advisor. Edward Kim '16 is the executive editor of both the Greystock News and its literary companion, Greystock Magazine (with Jeremy Shields '16 serving as editor-in-chief). Congrats to the students on a great first piece, and we look forward to future issues of both publications! You can read the online version here!
Last Call to Buy Gift Cards that Benefit CFS Need gift cards for those hard-to-shop for relatives, as teacher gifts or just for yourself? The CFS Parents Association is selling gift cards through a new "Fundraising While You Shop" program, with a portion of the proceeds going to the school. Last day to place your order is Wednesday, November 19, and gift cards should arrive around December 13. Don't miss out! You can download all the necessary forms and the list of participating retailers at https://www.gocfs.net/give-while-you-shop.
Operation Christmas Child The cottage prefects organized a donation drive for "Operation Christmas Child," an international relief effort by Samaritan's Purse which brings Christmas Joy to children all over the world. Prefects asked their fellow students from the 10 residential and one day cottage to donate what they could, and the prefects were able to fill 11 shoeboxes of gifts. The boxes will be delivered to a child somewhere in the world in need. Thank you to our students for kicking off the season of giving early!
Athletics
Winter athletics have begun! Keep up with the schedules for basketball, wrestling, winter track and bowling via Schedule Star, subscribing to Greg Thompson's "This Week in Athletics" email bulletin at [email protected] or following @CFSAthletics on Twitter. Congratulations to fall track stars Jamaal Aw Yoonis and Slam Dunkley for their efforts at the PIAA Cross Country Championships in Hershey. Out of the 220 best PA runners in our classification, Jamaal finished 48th (17:44) and Slam Dunkley 108th (18:23). Great efforts by both in representing CFS throughout the season. Follow this link for full meet results.
Admission Open House
An Open House is planned for Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Most CFS students are here because another family told them about the school. Help us spread the word! Interested parties may register online or contact Director of Admission Brandon Zeigler at [email protected] or 610.363.5346.
Annual Fund The 2014-2015 CFS Annual Fund drive is underway and we are looking for increased rates of participation among our parents and friends. Income from tuition covers less than 10% of our annual operating expenses. Contact Director of Development Peter Corrado at [email protected] or you can make your gift online at www.gocfs.net/give.
Weekends at CFS
The weekends are always filled with fun things to do! Recent events included tie-dying and the "Run for the Stripes" 5K Run/Walk at the Philadelphia Zoo. Junior Donald Albritton placed 15th out of more than 500 runners, and 2nd in his age group. Proceeds from the event
benefited neuroendocrine tumor research at University of Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center.
Crafters Wanted The 10th grade class is hosting a Holiday Craft Show on December 6 in the Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Would you like to exhibit your wares or know someone who would? Tables are $25 each and proceeds benefit our sophomores. Contact Kristen Boone at [email protected] to inquire, or join us on December 6 to shop for the holidays and support the Class of 17!
New Multimedia
Church Farm School Junior Grade-Level Day Video "I Am" by Josh Mest '15
Parents Weekend Album
Halloween Album
